The Evil Empress Adores Me

Eight years later. 

To the Crown Prince. 

Are you in good health?

I’ve been studying hard lately. 

I’m learning literature, the etiquette for a lady, musical instruments, and ballroom dance. Sometimes the Empress dowager and the Empress teach me directly when they have the time. 

Isn’t it amazing?

However, I want to learn something I can use anywhere. 

Then anyone who sees me will know I’m a lady who’s going to debut in the social world. 

Honestly, no one will always be in a banquet hall for the rest of their life.

So, it’s all about learning as much as possible. 

As the days get colder and colder, I keep thinking about you. 

The north must be freezing compared to here, right?

No matter what happens, take care of your health first, okay? 

Have a nice day. 

With affection, from Charlize.

***

Dear Charlize. 

You’ve been studying hard lately?

That’s great. 

By the way, with the time you spend studying, doesn’t any of it go to practicing handwriting?

Needing your letter to be decrypted like a ciphertext so that it’s readable is a bit too much of an ask, isn’t it?

Anyways, like you said it’s pretty cold here. 

Still, everyone’s nice to me, so I don’t think there’s much you have to fret about. 

Since coming down here, I can see how hard things have been so far in the North. 

But Margrave Antes has done a great job of defending it. 

Oh, I met a girl my age today. 

Says her name is Sienna Antes, the only daughter of Margrave Antes. 

I’m told she handles bows very well. 

They say she’s already dealt with mountain animals several times. 

Isn’t that great? 

Just so you know, I’m heading to the Kier plains tomorrow for the first time. 

I’m a little nervous but I’m confident I’ll do well. 

Stay well until we meet again. 

I’ll send another letter soon. 

Damian. 

***

To the Crown Prince. 

Oh my God, what happened on your expedition to the Kier plains?

You didn’t get injured, did you?

You are outstanding in martial arts so that gives me relief. 

Still, be careful.  

I’m sure you haven’t forgotten your promise to return unharmed. 

And….I’m glad Lady Antes is with you there. 

I heard that Lady Antes is a very beautiful and intelligent woman. 

Since you two are about the same age, I think it’d be nice if you got along with her. 

Do you think the two of you will ever get married? 

If you do tie the knot, your Highness will have a family. 

Oh, speaking of family, that reminds me. 

At the crown palace, Meow….oops. Meow is the name I randomly picked out for the cat near the crown palace.

Anyway, Meow gave birth to a litter of kittens. 

There are three of them and in my eyes, the yellow kitten that resembles her mother is simply the cutest!

I’m glad that Meow has a family now. Isn’t it swell?

But I don’t think I’ve seen Daddy cat, I wonder where he is?

Oh, I’ve been up for too long. 

I should head to bed now. 

Sweet dreams, your Highness.

With affection, from Charlize.

P.S.

Some people might not be able to write well!

You’re calling my writing ciphertext?

Your Highness, are you implying that you’re better at writing? 

You’ll see! I’ll meet a man who writes better than you!

***

Dear Charlize. 

Charlize, how are you?

It’s been some time since I’ve come back from the Kier plains, so I’m a little late in replying. 

It was my first time seeing beasts, basically they’re large and dangerous. 

The way they look….I can’t find the words to describe it. 

They look crazy. 

Six legs, eyes on the back of its head….

I know my explanation is probably confusing you more than clarifying, but it’s true. 

Still, I feel like I’m helping out in my own way, I’m happy, to say the least. 

By the way, why do you care so much about the Sienna Antes? 

I don’t like how a third of your letter was about her. 

The only girl I’ll get along with is you. 

How about showing a little more interest in me, instead of talking about Sienna? 

Or let me know more about how you’re doing. 

Cats are cute, of course, but I want to hear more about you. 

Please keep that part in mind for the future. 

Oh, also. 

Aren’t you sending too few letters?

I hope to get letters at least three times a week from now on. 

It may be a lot but even if it’s three, you can write one every two or three days, right?

If you happen to be really busy then just let this slide. 

I have to go on another mission tomorrow, so that’ll cut down the number of letters. 

Good night. Happy dreaming. 

Damian.

P.S. 

You’re going to meet a man who can write better than me?

Well, you do know it’s next to impossible to find such a man?

Because I’m going to continue practicing my handwriting.